A brand new musical theatre production looking at the challenges of adoption will play in Ayr this September.

Forever Home has been written by actor/writer Pauline Lockhart, with music by composer Alan Penman. It’s being directed by rising star Niloo-Far Khan.

Although both Penman and Lockhart have worked in theatre for many years, this is the first time the pair, who are also married, have collaborated. 

Forever Home stems from their own experience of becoming adoptive parents and tackles the complexity of adoption in a digital age in which it’s now very easy for young people who have been adopted to find and contact birth parents via social media.

However, this is just one of part of a wider story about identity, family and finding your way home. In the production the protagonist, Caitlin, has been in care before being adopted.

Pauline Lockhart said: “It’s been a really special experience not only working together, but also working on something which is so close to our hearts and to our home.

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"This piece, I hope, gives a voice to those with experience of the care system as a parent, carer, social worker or young person, a voice not often heard. 

“Although the inspiration for the musical came from our own lives and has autobiographical elements, at end of the day it’s a play.

"We really hope it will provides some interesting insights, entertainment and some catchy tunes."

Alan Penman added: “Forever Home is a moving, funny and uplifting musical and we’re really excited to see the reaction it gets.

"It’s one thing working on a production in your living room but it’s quite another to see it come to life and in such iconic venues.”

The show will play in The Gaiety Theatre in Ayr from September 21-23.